The Time Is Now

With The Time Is Now, his seventh studio album, Craig David reminds us why he remains one of the UK’s most enduring voices in pop and R&B. Released on 26 January 2018, the record builds on the momentum of his chart-topping comeback Following My Intuition, offering a fresh blend of collaborations and feel-good hooks.

Guest features come thick and fast, with appearances from JP Cooper, Bastille, AJ Tracey, Ella Mai, Kaytranada and GoldLink — a line-up that mirrors David’s ability to bridge genres and generations. The lead single, Heartline, dropped on 14 September 2017, setting the tone with its sleek production, while follow-up I Know You (with Bastille) climbed to an impressive number five on the UK charts.

While The Time Is Now drew mixed critical reception — scoring 56 on Metacritic — its commercial success was undeniable. The album debuted at number two in the UK, marking David’s fifth top 10 album and confirming his continued relevance in a crowded landscape.

Speaking about the project, David framed it as a reflection on growth: “The motivation and inspiration behind this album was all down to the huge realisation that even when I wasn’t as focused, there were amazing lessons to be learnt.” That sense of self-awareness pulses through the record, giving it a sincerity that fans will recognise and appreciate.